Baltimore County Executive‑Elect Julian Jones announced Wednesday that he will push the long‑stalled Lutherville Station development forward, regardless of which candidate ultimately wins the District 5 council seat. The plan would transform the former shopping‑center site into 325 apartments plus restaurants and retail space, anchored by a new Barnes & Noble that opened at the location this week.
Jones made the remarks at the Barnes & Noble opening, telling reporters, “I will not sit idly by. As the county executive I’m going to be hands‑on,” and adding that the county must focus growth on urban infill areas. He said the project is eligible for state Transit‑Oriented Development funding because it adjoins the light‑rail line, and he is confident the council will recognize its “tremendous potential.”
Developer Mark Renbaum echoed the optimism, saying he is “extremely optimistic” the project will move forward in 2027 and describing it as a “first‑class project” that will bring “great destination retail, lifestyle amenities and much‑needed housing.”
The council race that could affect the project’s timeline remains tight. Republican Councilman Nino Mangione, who has been working on a community‑protection agreement that includes more trees and improved lighting, trails Democrat Shawn McIntosh. According to WYPR, McIntosh held a 1,355‑vote lead on Tuesday night, with additional mail‑in and provisional ballots still to be counted. The Baltimore County Elections Board plans to certify the results on Friday.
Community sentiment is mixed. At a meeting earlier this year, resident Patricia Ferguson warned the development would be “an unwanted magnet” that could bring “kids” and “fights” similar to those she described in Towson. Neighbor Vanessa McCoy said she wants to “feel safe” and “feel like I felt in 1985.” McIntosh told WYPR that roughly three‑quarters of door‑to‑door respondents opposed the project, suggesting the need for more community input.
Despite the opposition, Jones stressed that the county must “zero in on those areas in the more urban parts of the county that can be redeveloped.” He indicated that, win or lose, the council will be urged to approve the overall development, and that the project’s Transit‑Oriented Development designation could unlock state money for the effort.
What’s next: The council race is expected to be certified Friday. If McIntosh is confirmed as the District 5 council member, she has said she will support the project but wants greater community involvement. If Mangione wins, he has pledged to work with the developer on added protections. Either outcome, Jones says, will not halt the push to begin construction in 2027.
Sources: wypr.org, baltimorefishbowl.com, baltimorefishbowl.com
